Course Description
This course is designed to introduce you to the genre of science fiction and its significant technical aspects. You will read a series of science fiction novels, interspersed with science fiction films, and analyze them in class discussion, essays, and exams. Over the course of the semester, you will be expected to master any literary theory and terminology that comes out of our discussion of these texts.
Required Texts & Materials
The Forever War. Joe Haldeman
The Dispossessed. Ursula K. Le Guin
A Canticle for Leibowitz. Walter M. Miller
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Philip K. Dick
A sheaf, passel, or bevy of 3x5 index cards
Course Requirements
Though you’ll be doing a great deal of reading, it will be important to write on a regular basis, since this helps sort out what you’ve read, and it provides a way for me to evaluate your engagement with the texts. Thus you will write two short essays and one longer research paper, and you’ll take a midterm exam and a final exam. You will be expected to take an active role in daily discussion. Also, you will take daily quizzes (AIL) and turn in daily QCs. If this sounds confusing, you should read
The Fine Print
- Groups: The class will be divided into 5 groups. Each group will compete (in a friendly way) for extra credit (more on that below). Over the course of the semester, your group will be expected to turn in three daily quiz (AIL) questions. Each class, your group will grade quizzes from another group. Additionally, your group will sign up for 4 days of QC Challenge, during which your group will field all QCs and take a lead role in class discussion. Occasionally your group will work together on in-class projects. Excited yet?
- AIL: Since ‘quiz’ sounds so boring, I have dubbed them ‘Adventures In Literature.’ (If you were wondering, yes, I’m aware it’s a dorky name). You will take one nearly every day for the first 11 weeks, and the 4 questions, based on the day’s reading, will come from you and your classmates. Get this: the lowest grade you can get on an AIL (as long as you’re here) is 6 out of 10 (a “D”). So just show up, and you’ll pass the AIL, even if you haven’t read a page! If you don’t show, you get a 0. Note: AIL happens at the beginning of class. If you’re late, you miss it.
- AIL questions: Your group is required to hand in 3 quiz questions at the start of each class when an AIL is scheduled. They must be clearly written—question and answer—on little strips of paper with your group number, and I will randomly draw 4 of these questions for the AIL. I will use no more than one from any one group in any given AIL.
- Credits: And why all the fuss? Twice during the semester I will tally the scores of each group, according to the following items: 1) total group AIL score, 2) number of questions and comments from group members during discussion, 3) the quality of in-class group work, and 4) the quality and timeliness of AIL questions. The winning group members are awarded one credit apiece, which can be used for one of the following: 1) Sleep-in: a free absence (AIL score of 10 for the day), though you still miss the scintillating discussion. 2) Grade bump: raise your midterm grade by 5%. 3) AIL boost: raise AIL scores by a total of 16 (added at end of semester). If you win the credit, I will be happy to spend it in the most advantageous way for you at grade time.
- Critical Essays: Two short papers and a longer research paper, each with a specific argument about two primary texts. These must adhere to MLA format and include the total word count at top of the paper. You must submit TWO copies: one digital copy to me online at Turnitin.com (to be checked for plagiarism) and one hard copy to me in class.
- Late Papers. Late papers accrue a 5% grade penalty per day. If something serious prevents you from meeting a deadline, let me know before the paper is due, NOT AFTER.
- Exams: Exams include short essay questions, text identifications, comparison and contrast of works, knowledge of literary terms, and identification and discussion of technical aspects of texts.
- Participation: Since this is a college-level literature course, much of your learning will take place through your active participation in class discussions. Obviously, this can’t happen if you aren’t in class. Participation accounts for 20% of your final grade, and it is determined by your contribution to class discussion, in-class activities, by the quality of your daily QCs, by the quality of your group’s AIL questions, and by your attendance.
- Attendance: You are required to attend. Each unexcused absence beyond three will result in a reduction of your final grade. Excused absences require a note from a doctor, advisor, or dean. I reserve the right to drop any student from the rolls who has more than six unexcused absences.
*If you arrive late or leave early without my prior consent or for reasons other than illness, you may be considered absent without excuse.
Academic Integrity: I expect you do your own work honestly and fairly. Plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty is grounds for a failing grade in this course. All sources in your written work must be cited and documented. If you are uncertain what might be considered academic dishonesty, please feel welcome to check with me before turning in your work.
Grading
Short Papers 15%
Research Paper 15%
Midterm Exam 10%
AIL 15%
QCs 5%
Final Exam 20%
Participation 20%
